The new General Secretary of the World Council of Churches at the Theological School of Halki
On Saturday, 11 March 2023, the new General Secretary of the World Council of Churches, Rev. Dr. Jerry Pillay, made an official visit to the historic Holy Theological School of Halki, together with a two-member team of WCC collaborators, consisting of Mr. Georgios Laimopoulos, Archon Grand Hieromnemon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and Ms. Xanthi Morphi, accompanied honourably during his travel to Halki by His Eminence Metropolitan Ioakeim of Bursa and the Patriarchal Deacon Ieronymos.
The new General Secretary and his honourable escort were welcomed by the Abbot of the Holy Monastery of the Holy Trinity, His Grace Bishop Kassianos of Aravissos and the brotherhood of the Holy Monastery. After a short tour to the chapel of the School, the visitors ascended to the Great Synod Room, where the Abbot, His Grace Bishop Kassianos addressed the General Secretary, referring to the rich history of the School, in particular to its long and pioneering involvement with the issue of approaching Christian brothers and sisters from other denominations.
Special mention was made by the Abbot to the person of the blessed Metropolitan Germanos of Thyateira, a graduate, Professor and Headmaster of the Theological School during the years 1907-1922, who accomplished a great work on inter-Christian issues, while he was the first Orthodox Representative to the World Council of Churches. Among other things, Bishop Kassianos highlighted the ongoing contribution of the School to the Ecumenical Movement, through its graduates, such as the present Archon Mr. Laimopoulos.
During his reply to Bishop Kassianos, Rev. Dr. Jerry Pillay expressed his admiration for the School’s valuable services in outreach and dialogue between Christian Churches and Confessions, he also wished the School to reopen so that it can offer the same services to the modern world, while with emotion he saw adorning the walls of the Great Synod Room the portraits of the blessed Metropolitan Germanos of Thyateira, Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Ephesus and Vassilios Antoniadou.
Afterwards, the dignitaries were guided around the classrooms, the Library and other areas of the School, while after they sat at the table for a meal offered in their honour.
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